An asset to the city

TALENT MAGNET Building a close relationship with the city is part of our mission. At Campus The Hague we aim to reflect the Municipality of The Hague’s ambitions to strengthen the knowledge economy. The University attunes its education and research to these ambitions, but Campus The Hague also makes a unique contribution: it acts as a magnet for students, from both the Netherlands and abroad, who come to study or conduct research in The Hague. These talented young academics find a wealth of challenges in the diverse innovation hubs and organisations that are active in areas that match their fields of study. WIJNHAVEN AS BEATING HEART The Wijnhaven Building at Turfmarkt is one of the University’s five locations in The Hague, and it is the beating heart of the campus. Many of the students and staff who study or work on the campus live in this neighbourhood, making this an inspiring place to be. They also bring life to the city centre: amenities such as the library, shops and entertainment venues are seeing an increase in visitor numbers. ‘It’s great to see more and more students in the city; they’re really changing the character of the city,’ says Minister for Education Ingrid van Engelshoven.

In the third year of the bachelor’s programme in International Studies, students at Campus The Hague carry out an assignment for one of the international organisations in the city. They study a challenge at such organisations as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons), but also at organisations outside The Hague, such as Google, Starbucks or the OESO (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development). Our students translate their academic knowledge into practical advice for one of these organisations. It’s a true win-win arrangement! WORK IN PROGRESS: CAMPUS BOULEVARD In the coming years, the Municipality of The Hague will be working on a ‘Campus Boulevard’, and the University will be part of this. This area will bring together the important educational and research facilities in the city, and will also feature innovation labs, living labs and skills labs, as well as spaces for entrepreneurs. All these different facilities will be brought together in the open environment of the Campus Boulevard.

As well as having a presence here, we will also provide an array of facilities for activities and events focusing on knowledge sharing, innovation and debate. This vibrant environment will increase the visibility and accessibility of Campus The Hague, which will in turn stimulate collaboration in and with the city.

We are in regular discussion with the Municipality of The Hague and other local organisations, about not only the Campus Boulevard but also broader issues, such as activities that Leiden University in the Hague can undertake to promote the further development of Campus The Hague as a unifying presence in both the city and the region.

Wijnhaven, our largest building, is the vibrant heart of our campus in The Hague.

Everyone is welcome to listen to and join in debates or lectures on the Spanish Steps in Wijnhaven. These are regularly given by speakers from the Netherlands and abroad. In a lecture, Sigrid Kaag, Minister for International Trade and Development Cooperation, specifically addressed the many international students in the audience, saying, ‘It’s fantastic that you’re studying here in the Netherlands. One thing to remember: we’re always open for business.’